(19)
(11) EP 2 088 338 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
14.12.2011 Bulletin 2011/50

(43) Date of publication A2:
12.08.2009 Bulletin 2009/33

(21) Application number: 09001592.6

(22) Date of filing: 05.02.2009
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
F16B 37/06(2006.01)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
Designated Extension States:
AL BA RS

(30) Priority: 07.02.2008 US 27789

(71) Applicant: Whitesell International Corporation
Taylor, MI 48180 (US)

(72) Inventor:
  • Zdravko, Kovac
    Chesterfield Michigan 48051 (US)

(74) Representative: Ungria Lopez, Javier et al
c/o UNGRIA Patentes y Marcas, S.A., Avda. Ramon y Cajal, 78
28043 Madrid
28043 Madrid (ES)

   


(54) Self-attaching fastener and panel assembly, method of installation and die member


(57) A self-attaching fastener (20) and panel assembly wherein the free open end of the tubular barrel portion (26) is coined, collapsed axially, flattened and deformed radially inwardly and outwardly and axially against a panel (48) surrounding the panel opening (74). The method of installation includes driving the free end (28) of the tubular barrel portion (26) against a substantially planar die surface (66), deforming an end portion radially, then collapsing an intermediate portion (28) over the radially deformed end portion, flattening the end portion, substantially thickening the tubular barrel portion (26) and forming an annular surface (28a) engaging and supporting the panel (48) surrounding the opening (74). The die member (52) includes an annular moat surrounding a central die post and a planar die surface extending generally perpendicular to the axis of the die button.







Search report